Comics is a long and challenging row to hoe, and it will wear you down. You can get worn out. This means when you finally get work, despite the fact that it’s either feast or famine, you have to pace yourself. Getting burnt out is not the way to have a long and hopefully lucrative career in comics.

Pacing yourself is even more important when making comics isn’t your main source of income. If your main source of income is in doing something else (and this is true for the bulk of us), then taking breaks is even more important. Vacations are definitely in order. Because burnout happens to the best of us without it.

I write a lot. Currently, I write these Daily Dose posts, as well as a weekly column, The Proving Grounds. I have private clients that I edit, and I write comics every so often myself. I’m also working on a novel. I’m also a moderator at Digital Webbing. That’s a lot of stuff going on, aside from my regular job which has 12 hour shifts, and I’m also taking a class to get a realtor license. I also plan to start a workout regimen within the next few weeks. I’m kinda busy, and that isn’t typical.

I’ve burnt out a few times. I’ve overloaded myself with work and not only gotten sick, but gotten disgusted with comics and wanted to walk away. Just like you shouldn’t go food shopping when you’re hungry, you shouldn’t make decisions when you’re tired.

Vacations are important. Work/life balance. These need to be worked into your schedule as surely and as regularly as work. It’s that important. If you burn out, you won’t be able to work, and if you aren’t able to work, you won’t be able to pay your bills (or if it’s extra money, you won’t be able to use it or put it away because you won’t have it).

Pace yourself. Take vacations as necessary. This will lead to longevity.